April 23, 1999, Friday

What happens when young people are without leadership from

the adults that should be guiding them in life choices? What can

guard the lives of our young people to protect them from harm?

What can our young people gain from the leadership of adults

that demonstrate a sincere interest in them?

Zephaniah prophesied to his own people to warn them of God's

judgment that was coming because they refused His guidance-

"I will destroy those who have turned back and will no longer

follow Me, those who do not come to Me or ask Me to guide

them" (Zep 1:6). God must hear from us to help us; Hear us with

an audible voice that requests His leadership in our lives. With

our desires verbalized to the Lord, He is able to lead us away

from danger and judgment. Spiritual desires that request His

presence in our lives prove to God that we have not grown tired

of Him, but are growing closer to Him by His guidance.

Peter preached to the early Church and Believers to remind them

of the dangers that come from forgetting God. Just as Zephaniah

warned Israel as the voice of God telling them that the enemies

of Israel would consume them for straying from His guidance;

Peter showed them the manner of God's guidance is to guard us-

"For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have

returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls" (1Pet 2:25).

Only by His guidance can we be guarded from the dangers that

would harm us.

Paul wrote to young Timothy cautioning him against temptation

to consider another way of life profitable. He made his point

that true relationship with Christ is the greatest gain that will be

profitable in time here on earth as well as eternity that comes-

"Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with the

contentment of God's grace in your life" (1Tim 6:6). The person

that is in Christ is content with his condtion in this world.

Let us remember who is the God that is our Shepherd. God's

Name is Jehová Rohi. He is the God that is our Guide. He

Provides direction and a way for us. He is our Guard. He

Protects us from harm and keeps us safe under the shelter

of His wings. Jehová Rohi teaches us that godliness is great

Gain. He Profits us by withholding no good thing to those

that walk in His righteous paths. Lift your hands to Him and

Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that leads

and shepherds us according to the integrity of His heart!